Page 56
An.1682
Isle of Tortuga. Salt-Ponds.
any mention of that name a great while, I am apt to think it is swallowed up in that of Petit-Guavres, the chief Garrison the French have in those parts. This Island we arrived at is pretty large, uninhabited, and abounds with Salt. It is in Lat. 11 degrees North, and lyeth West, and a little Northerly from Marga- rita, an Island inhabited by the Spaniards, strong, and wealthy; it is distant from it about 14 leagues, and 17 or 18 from Cape Blanco on the Main: A Ship being within these Islands, a little to the South- ward, may see at once the Main, Margarita, and Tortuga, when it is clear weather. The East end of Tortuga is full of rugged, bare, broken Rocks, which stretch themselves a little way out to Sea. At the S.E. part is an indifferent good Road for Ships, much frequented in peaceable times by Merchant- ships, that come hither to lade Salt, in the months of May, June, July, and August. For at the East end is a large Salt-pond, within 200 paces of the Sea. The Salt begins to kern, or grain, in April, except it is a dry season; for it is observed that rain makes the Salt kern. I have seen above 20 Sail at a time in this road come to lade Salt; and these Ships coming from some of the Caribbe Islands, are al- ways well stored with Rum, Sugar, and Lime-juice to make Punch; to hearten their Men when they are at work, getting and bringing aboard the Salt; and they commonly provide the more, in hopes to meet with Privateers, whorefort hither in the afore- said months, purposely to keep a Christmas as they call it; being sure to meet with Liquor enough to be merry with, and are very liberal to those that treat them. Near the West end of the Island, on the South side, there is a small Harbour, and some fresh Water: That end of the Island is full of shrub- by Trees; but the East end is rocky and barren as to Trees, producing only coarse Grass. There are some Goats on it, but not many; and Turtle or Tortoise